WASHINGTON, August 23, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is renewing the Secretary's advisory committee on animal health and is seeking nominations for membership on the committee.

The Committee's members advise the Secretary on strategies, policies, and programs to prevent, control, or eradicate animal diseases. They consider agricultural initiatives of national scope and significance and advise on matters of public health, conservation of national resources, stability of livestock economies, livestock disease management and traceability strategies, prioritizing animal health imperatives, and other related aspects of agriculture.

The Secretary will select up to 20 members from across the agricultural community, including producers, processors, marketers, researchers, State and Tribal agricultural agencies, trade associations, and others, to obtain the broadest possible representation on the Committee. Equal opportunity practices, in line with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies, will be followed in all appointments to the Committee.

Nomination packages may be sent by postal mail or commercial delivery to The Honorable Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Attn: Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health. Nomination packages may also be faxed to (301) 734-3121. Nomination packages, due by September 10, include a nomination form along with a cover letter or resume that documents the nominee’s experience. The nomination form is available on the Internet at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/forms/doc/AD-755.pdf.

A prior request for nominations for membership was published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2012. Additional nominations are now being requested from interested organizations and individuals. All nominations made to date are being considered for appointment.

This notice is published in the August 21 Federal Register.

With Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, APHIS works tirelessly to create and sustain opportunities for America's farmers, ranchers and producers. Each day, APHIS promotes U.S. agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and carries out wildlife damage management activities, all to safeguard the nation's $157 billion agriculture, fishing and forestry industries. In the event that a pest or disease of concern is detected, APHIS implements emergency protocols and partners with affected states and other countries to quickly manage or eradicate the outbreak. To promote the health of U.S. agriculture in the international trade arena, APHIS develops and advances science-based standards with trading partners to ensure America’s agricultural exports, valued at more than $137 billion annually, are protected from unjustified restrictions.

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